Grand Touring

We first saw an earty version of this game about 18 months ago, and to be honest it wasn't too impressive then. At that stage we'd been far more excited by Screamer Rally and TOCA. Now of course finished, the game looks a lot better, although yet again there are a number of other racing games that are far more deserving of our attention - Toca 2: Touring Cars, for instance.

Offering an arcade mode and a simulation element Grand Touring is a direct competitor to Codemasters' fine efforts, and as such it doesn't stand a snowman in hell's chance against it. Simply put, it's bog-standard in every department.

In arcade mode the game is the most unforging driving game we've ever seen. Here you can only play a game against other drivers by getting to each checkpoint before the clock runs down. The problem is that you aren't given enough time to reach them. And don't even think about turning the checkpoint option off, because you can't.

Just to add insult to injury, apart from certain instances, the in-game camera angles are completely unplayable, and by the time you've cycled back to the one you want your opponents have already lapped you. The game picks up immeasurably when you switch to simulation mode, although to be honest there's nothing we've seen before and you won't have to look too far to find something better.

Rest assured, it won't be too long before this topples from the new release shelf into the bargain bin, by which time TOCA I will no doubt have joined it Even so, we vehemently suggest you go for the latter.